Former spokesman proud of senator

Apr. 23, 2013

Written by

Barrett Kaiser

In 2015, Montana will say welcome home to one of our state’s greatest public servants, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus. Max, an avid runner, announced this week he will sit out the 2014 Senate race and instead retire after 36 years in the Senate.

As the longest-serving senator in Montana history, Max’s decision to sit out stunned everyone from D.C. pundits to Main Street Montanans. It was even a surprise to those who have worked for him for years.

In his announcement, Max cautioned that he’s not “turning out to pasture.” There are important hurdles to clear, from reforming our ridiculously complicated tax code to protecting Montana’s rich outdoor heritage.

Through 2014, Max will continue to build on a political legacy unmatched by anyone in Montana’s history.

That legacy includes thousands of good-paying Montana jobs. A strong, vibrant small business economy. Access to quality, affordable health care. Safe highways that drive Montana’s economy. Insurance for children. Responsible, common-sense protections for public land and water.

Through it all, Max has stayed true to Montana.

He went to the mat for the people of Libby poisoned by the W.R. Grace company. He saved Malmstrom Air Force Base from closing. He helped tear down Milltown Dam and protect the Rocky Mountain Front. He’s always stood by a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions.

No good runner is afraid of an uphill battle. That’s why, during George W. Bush’s presidency, Max stopped the disastrous privatization of Social Security. More recently he led the pack in demanding the Obama Administration begin a draw-down of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Last year, months before it became politically popular, Max endorsed equal marriage.

With Montana in mind, Max crafted a bill reforming the health insurance industry and making health care available to all Montanans. The Affordable Care Act allows children to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26, and prevents insurance companies from giving the boot to those with pre-existing conditions.

Unfortunately, obstructionism, partisan gridlock and polarization plague today’s U.S. Senate. And it’s very difficult to see level-headed moderates like Max leave the stage.

In January of 2015, Max will come home for good to the state he loves, to be with the people he loves. In doing so, he’ll cross the finish line one last time to take his place in history as one of Montana’s finest statesmen.